Reflection 11 (Allison Burt)

1.       Description of what occurs as a result of using the Project-based learning approach.

 

As teachers use a project-based learning approach they have a lot of planning to do before they can “launch” it to their students. Based on student feedback/reflections teachers get a sense of how PBL has helped them succeed. Since students work is posted online after each assignment teachers are able to see their progress over time. This allows teachers to hold class discussions regarding student work they see and teachers can see which parts of the assignments need improvement. Teachers are able to collaborate online with other teachers regarding project success and/or learning. Sharing online on a database opens up a pool of new ideas.

 

2.       Discussion on ways to “bring your project home”.

 

There are many ideas teachers can use to help students “bring their project home.”  In this digital-age tools are essential to have in PBL. Students can use their mobile phones or portable devices to add to their learning. One example is using mobile phones, which features cameras, video recording, text messaging, and being able to access the internet almost anywhere. Teachers should initiate “deep learning” by providing students with rich resources regarding their projects. Teachers should be teaching students how to navigate, analyze, and gather important information using reliable sites. Another aspect to PBL is making things visible and discussable. Using visuals like maps, mind mapping, and photographs add to students learning. For example, using Google Earth allows students to visualize checkpoints of destinations and analyzing. Lastly connecting with others worldwide through blogging or using a webcam builds your network. These are all ways students can develop a phenomenal project.

 

3.       Discussion on how concepts in this chapter relate to your topic/project.

 

Throughout this semester we have used a variety of tools with PBL.  I have used a blog, concept map, Windows Live Movie Maker, Google Earth, Google Docs, taskstream, and mobile phones to get photographs for our web site. All of these mini-projects lead to the big celebration at the end, “Staying Healthy Workshop.”  Having all of this online allows others to give us feedback and reflect on our work. Also since our web site will have all our work gathered from the semester it will be assessable to others for sharing. We can always go back and reflect on our progress.